Community comes together in prayer

Wednesday

Oct 4, 2017 at 3:19 PMOct 4, 2017 at 3:22 PM

Jannette Pippin Daily News Staff jannette_pippin

SWANSBORO | A special prayer service brought together area residents Wednesday to honor the lives lost and the people impacted by this week’s mass shooting in Las Vegas and the communities devastated by the recent hurricanes.

Swansboro United Methodist Church invited members of the community to join the congregation for the prayer service held at noon and again at 6 p.m.

Beverly Jenkins, who attended the noon service, said that she felt prayer was a way she could reach out to help others even though she may not know them or live in the same community.

“I felt compelled to come to pray for those that I can’t be there to help,” Jenkins said.

Helen Cizerle of Swansboro said the tragedy in Las Vegas and the devastation from the hurricanes have raised many emotions and a desire to show support for those who have been impacted. The prayer service was a way of doing so.

“It is emotional sometimes to think about,” Cizerle said. “You think about the people who were injured or lost their lives. You also think about the domino effect that it has on their families and friends.”

Cizerle said there is something empowering about coming together to pray as a community.

“When God speaks through someone else, I think, it opens our hearts even more to those thoughts and prayers,” she said.

Paula Roberson, who also attended the noon service, agreed.

“When we come together; when there is unity in prayer, there is greater healing,” Roberson said.

Swansboro United Methodist Church Pastor Scott Dodson said it is always good for a community of faith to pray together, particularly during difficult times, whether a mass shooting or the devastation in the face of Mother Nature.

“They all caused emotional and physical devastation. The one place we have to turn to in these times of heartbreak is the Lord,” Dodson said.

While people may feel like there is nothing they can do to help, Dodson said that collectively everyone can help in some way. And prayer is one way everyone can help.

“Collectively we can do something,” Dodson said. “You can’t help every single person but you can help someone. Prayer is something everyone can do.”

Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at Jannette.Pippin@JDNews.com or 910-382-2557.